I have been up and down with the joy of decorating for Christmas lately, did I mention that this is my favorite time of the year? I have been living with my husband for 4 years now, moving into the house, being pregnant, and having a baby for the first 3 and half years, we didn't have time to "intentionally" decorating for Christmas (quickly cut paper snowflakes were always present, and there were always Christmas card garlands..). We never set up a tree before, and I just think we didn't have one, so I suggested why don't we buy one with the decorations. My husband said he actually has one buried somewhere deep inside the boxes we never touched since we moved in. He took the tree out along with the decorations. I never thought that it was a very beautiful vintage ornaments from the 70's! Where did he get those? My husband share a very different aesthetics than me, I thought his Christmas ornaments would filled with glassy crystal and white classics balls.. Well, I'm overjoyed with these quirky ornaments.. take a look...

Fruits on Christmas tree? Why not? did you notice the orange with eyes and a nose?

Is the hole on the leaf originally there or is it because it was made before I was born?

Saturday, December 5, 2009

..Vixen, Comet, Dasher, ...and er...Rudolph! Of course! Seriously, can you name them all? Now you can!! Download my Christmas Reindeer Tags and use them vigorously! Out of the topic, one of my favorite Christmas tune is Rudolph the Red-nose reindeer song. I can sing it all day. :)

I'm going to HongKong this week! Yaaay! But this would be Baby G's first overseas trip, her first winter, her first flight, her first adventure to foreign territory!! Oh no! I think it's too much for her little self!! I'm more worried than excited preparing the whole trip, I was anxious the whole time.. "What if she poops on the plane's seat?", "What if she cries loudly and this man/lady besides me give me 'the stare'?" "Do they serve toddler's menu on plane/hotel?" , "What if she refuses to sleep?" etc. etc. I know, I know, I need to get a hold on myself.

It's not only baby G's who is clueless about overseas trip, say hello to her companion, The Pathetic Clueless Mother. To tell you the truth, being dressed in summer muu-muus and short cotton pants with slouchy T-shirts all year, makes me a terrible winter fashion novice. Boots? Coats? Cashmere? How do you tie your shawl? How do you wear your socks? Long? Tucked inside the boots?? I could use one or two winter get-ups tips, if you don't mind sharing...

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

It's time for another interview!! I'm so excited! And today's I'm very lucky to have the chance to interview Tracy of plingstore!! Gee, when's the last time we have a jewelry maker around this blog? So, Tracy graduated with a degree in TV directing, how cool is that, but no, now she doesn't even watch it. She's more of a movie person than a TV one, and obviously she's too busy making jewelries. A retail version of pling is planned to hit one of Singpore's streets, another reason to visit the sunny island.

Tracy loves photographing random things, but never herself. She also enjoys art and occasionally writes and does graphic designs for her own store. She also lives with my elderly stroke-patient mum and is the sole caregiver. pling allows her to really work from home and care for her (...quit your day jobs now, ladies!! NOW!) Think she's an angel? She also has something for you, my dear readers. Purchase 2 or more pieces from plingstore and get a 10% off your entire purchase! Savings of at least US$8 is in store for you. Just enter "babalisme" in message to seller at her etsy store or www.plingstore.com (promo code). Promotion ends December 9th, 2009. She is having a free international shipping promo too in favor of your Christmas shopping this year.

Let's get the interview started, then!!

What started Pling?I'm been a wearer of accessories since I know how to dress up and I think a piece of accessory makes your outfit different and adds oomph. I love mixing and matching the new and the vintage jewelry I inherited from my mum or through finds overseas.

I've been creating accessories for friends (guys included!) since my uni days. My style has changed significantly and I do different jewelry at different stages of my life. I think it's a reflection of who I am, what influences me and what I feel touched about.

I created pling two years ago, incorporating it in Singapore to give a peace of mind to my online blogshoppers. Initially, I bought accessories from overseas to sell, but that increasingly became unsatisfying because the prices may be too high with that type of quality. I thought I could do better than this and it has always been important that I use my heart, hands and mind in the creation of the pieces - mixing colors, textures and styles that could transcend different periods and continents.

What style of jewelry you are you drawn too?I love jewelry that is a mix of eclecticism, Romanticism, vintage and eco-friendliness. My creations say that with my various obsessions (What's life without some form of obessions right?). I love making jewelry with wooden materials, vintage keys, hand stamped words and earth themed charms.Among the sole type of jewelry; necklace, earrings, ring, and bangles/bracelet, which is your favorite?Can I only choose one? I'm never without a necklace-earrings combi. I think an outfit changes with what you throw on your necklace, using your blouse/dress as a backdrop. With one necklace, it can be quirky; with another, it becomes glamorous; and with another, it becomes city chic. There are just too many permutations to play with. A bonus, necklaces accentuate the best part of your upper body, be it your sexy collarbones, your defined jawline, or your chest.

Earrings really light up your face, whether there are blings or not. They bring attention to a woman's shoulders if they are long. For studs, I love to play with colors and textures. I feel kinda of naked without earrings, like I'm dressed to head out of the house!

Do you have a piece of jewelry you never take off?Nope. I love to mix and match according to my mood of the day, and what I'm wearing, and who I'm meeting.Which celebrity(ies) looks perfect in your creations?1. Audrey Tautou - I'm very inspired by my Paris trip and I think she can take some many looks - classic French, romantic elegance, boyish chic, and party glamor.2. Bjork - She supports handmade and wear fashion made by her friends. She is pretty gothic at times, and yet, she looks so childlike. I feel that my toy necklaces would suit her personality.3. Ellen Page - She is eclectic.4. aiko and Becky (from Japan)

What is the best kept secret in jewelry making business?Don't think it qualifies as a secret though. First, never make something that you are not going to wear. Second, pray for wisdom and guidance for your HEART and hand when you are creating the pieces.